Toilet Won’t Stop Running: Causes and Easy Solutions
Home /
Few things are more frustrating than realizing your toilet won’t stop running after you flush. That constant trickling sound isn’t just annoying — it can waste gallons of water every day. As plumbers at Clog Heroes Sewer & Drain, we get calls about this issue all the time. The good news? Most of the time, it’s a quick and inexpensive fix.
Why a Toilet Won’t Stop Running
When your toilet keeps running, it’s almost always because a part inside the tank isn’t doing its job. It could be a flapper that doesn’t seal, a float set too high, or a fill valve that won’t shut off completely.
The key is to figure out which part is causing the problem. Taking a few minutes to figure out why your toilet won’t stop running can save you from water waste and higher bills. According to DrinkTap’s leak detection guide, even small leaks around toilets can add up — especially since the U.S. uses around 322 billion gallons of water per day.
Toilet Won’t Stop Running? Check the Flapper First
One of the most common reasons a toilet won’t stop running is a worn-out flapper. The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank that lifts when you flush. If it’s warped, cracked, or just not sealing properly, water will keep leaking into the bowl.
Replacing a flapper is one of the easiest plumbing repairs you can do yourself — and it usually costs less than $10. The EPA WaterSense program even recommends checking toilet flappers regularly, since they are a leading cause of silent leaks in homes.
Pro Tip from a Plumber
Turn off the water supply before replacing the flapper. Once the tank is drained, you can easily pop off the old flapper and attach a new one without getting soaked.
Adjust or Replace the Float When a Toilet Won’t Stop Running
If the flapper isn’t the culprit, the float might be set too high.
What the Float Does
The float controls the water level in the tank. When it’s set too high, water will keep running into the overflow tube, and your toilet will never stop refilling.
Quick Adjustment
You can fix this by turning the adjustment screw on the float arm or sliding the clip on the newer cup-style floats. If the float is waterlogged or damaged, replacing it is usually the best solution.
Toilet Won’t Stop Running Because of the Fill Valve?
Sometimes a toilet won’t stop running because the fill valve has worn out. This valve controls how much water flows into the tank after a flush. When it doesn’t shut off completely, it wastes water and raises your utility bills.
Replacing a fill valve is still a fairly simple DIY job if you’re comfortable using basic tools. Shut off the water supply, drain the tank, and follow the instructions that come with the new valve. If you’d rather not handle it yourself, a plumber can replace it quickly and make sure the water level is properly adjusted.
Don’t Overlook the Chain
A too-tight or too-loose chain can also be the reason a toilet won’t stop running. If the chain connecting the flush handle to the flapper is too tight, it can hold the flapper open. Too loose, and it might tangle under the flapper. Adjust the chain so it has a little slack but doesn’t get stuck.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all these fixes and your toilet won’t stop running, it may be time to call a professional for plumbing services. Sometimes the issue is deeper — like a cracked overflow tube or high water pressure in the home — which requires professional tools to diagnose.
At Clog Heroes Sewer & Drain, we see this issue almost every week. Our team can quickly pinpoint the problem and get your toilet working like new. Professional help also saves you from wasting water and money while you keep guessing.
Preventing Future Problems
Regular maintenance can keep this problem from coming back. During routine plumbing inspections, our team checks flappers, fill valves, and water levels. A quick tune-up can prevent wasted water and extend the life of your toilet.
Seasonal Tip
Consider checking your toilets at least twice a year — especially before peak water usage seasons like summer. When overall water use is already high from sprinklers, pools, and outdoor chores, a running toilet can make your water bill climb even faster.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore a Toilet That Won’t Stop Running
If your toilet won’t stop running, don’t just shut the bathroom door and try to ignore it. That constant flow can waste hundreds of gallons every month, drive up your water bill, and even put extra strain on your plumbing system.
Clog Heroes Sewer & Drain is here to help you stop the running water for good. We proudly serve Fredericksburg, VA, and nearby communities with expert plumbing repair, drain cleaning, and maintenance services.
Contact Clog Heroes Sewer & Drain
Don’t let a running toilet waste your money. Contact Clog Heroes Sewer & Drain today to schedule a service appointment. Our licensed plumbers can fix the problem quickly and keep your bathroom working smoothly.